Active Search Bar constantly hijacking Bing in Microsoft Edge

Hi Robert. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Active Search Bar is a browser hijacker:
https://www.myantispyware.com/2022/01/23/how-to....

I would also remove McAfee which is not recommended by any expert anywhere except to uninstall it. After uninstalling in Apps Setttings, restart Windows and run it's removal tool: https://service.mcafee.com/?articleId=TS101331&...

These unwanted programs can damage System Files so after doing the most thorough scans available we will test and repair System Files:

To check most thoroughly for infection and any resulting System damage, Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking (to have internet), or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... These require a password and not PIN to access.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...
Remove whatever it finds.

Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm
to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker and DISM from Step 10 in this checklist:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox. For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Report back results for more steps if necessary.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

One of your links suggested Zemana Anti Malware, a free program that actually seems to have worked without asking me for more money. Thanks.

You're welcome, Robert -

I'd still run Malwarebytes as it is the industry standard for thoroughness. You can turn off it's Real-Time Trial on it's Control panel.

Make sure to also run System File Checker to make sure any System files that were broken are fixed or replaced.

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

I've ran MalwareBytes several times since this problem started - it didn't find a thing.

Robert, did you say that the Zemena which I provided in my first post scan got rid of the problem? I see you're now saying the problem is unresolved. What is the remaining problem?

It did. Then active search bar came back this morning. Which means I have to go back into regedit and delete the Edge policy again. Round and round we go.

It's persistent. I wonder if all of it is removed, possibly some freeware that brought it along.

Make sure to complete all of the steps give thusfar to clean it up, the ones I wrote out as well as the ones in the links.